Data card info

[Desertpagoda]

So, I have just received the data card for my latest acquisition, a 1969 280sl, Italian version. It shows matching numbers and colors (387 blue metallic, parchment tex and a dark blue soft top) and both tops, the "10" in the chassis # shows the 4spd. Neither on the data card or the paint tag under the hood are mentioned any options other than 620 "italian version" also echoed in the auftrag# 85434511 (delivered to italy). This car has power steering and a kinder seat that sure looks to match the rest of the clearly original orig interior. But no mention of either. I realize that the seat could have been added long ago and that the p-s could have been added also, but thats a lot of work and parts. I used to own a '68,4spd, 280sl without p-s ( sold to Europe long ago). So, my question is, was p-s an option? or part of a package ( not mentioned on my build sheet/paint plate) or did my ;68 have it deleted? Also, I assume the Euro/rest of world cars received the same tool kit as US bound models? Keith

[66andBlue]

Keith,
Engelen published a price list in his book that shows the base price for a 2-seat 1969 280SL roadster as DM 21,850, power steering (Servolenkung) option code 42/2 an additional DM 510 and transverse seat (Quersitz) option code 56/5 an additional DM 200.
If code 42/2 and 56/5 are not listed on the data card I would assume that they were added later.

[MikeSimon]

Power steering was always an option on W113. Beginning with the 230SL M127II engine all the way through the 280SL with M130.
Mine has power steering also, but it is not mentioned on the data card. I have not found the field where it should be. It is not a "rarely ordered option"

[Pawel66]

In my car (1970, Euro) the power steering is under 426, which is a combination of automatic + power steering (422), and it is shown on data plate.

Is it possible that ps was part of 620 (Italian version)? Otherwise, indeed, it looks like added later...

[john.mancini]

Both options could have been easily added by the MB dealer. My 69 280SL was ordered without a radio and without a soft top. I bought the car from the original owner's estate. I was told that shortly after delivery, the original owner had the dealer install a Becker stereo radio, with the correct kick panel speakers, and a MB soft top frame and top. Looking at the car today, you would have thought they were factory installed.

[Desertpagoda]

Interesting, Im guessing it was part of some package, being a longtime MB mechanic, I know that while certainly not impossible, retrofitting P-S is a BIG job!

[Benz Dr.]

It is. I installed PS on my 230SL and it was a fairly large job because I had to change my manual steering column out to a 230SL power steering column. A power steering box, hoses, fluid canister, pulley on the crankshaft, and pump with bracket, are all needed parts for the conversion. I would never go back to standard steering though.

[MikeSimon]

I am amazed that anybody when buying the 113 new, ordered without P/S. All contemporary test reports way back to the first 230 commented on the superiority of P/S in the car. Back in 1963, it was sure unusual to have a power steered car, leave alone a two-seater. And the 230SL was the only 2-seater in the world with P/S. Then again, the car was supposed to be a sport-tourer and the buyers were affluent people. One of the definite "must-have" options.

[neelyrc]

A man’s preference, Mike.  I can assure you that options were carefully considered at the time.  My view was stick to the basics.  No power steering, no air conditioning, no automatic transmission.  Unfortunately the 5 speed stick shift was no longer offered for USA cars so it had to be the 4 speed. 

Fifty years on, no regrets!

[MikeSimon]

Of course, I am biased.  I worked for the manufacturer of the power steering pump and P/S was my livelihood for a long time. I remember when we made the first P/S pump for a Porsche 911-type vehicle and all the "purists" cried foul.
Problem was, the corner speeds for the 4-wheel drive 959 were so high, you could not handle it without P/S

[Jordan]

I learned to drive in my dad's mid 70's Mercury station wagon with no power steering, in the winter.  People today are just too coddled.